Urban Act Grant Program

FAQs

  • What is the application process for local officials seeking an Urban Act grant?
    Answer: There is no formal application process for local officials seeking Urban Act grants. According to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM), local officials wishing to apply for an Urban Act grant should write a letter to the OPM Secretary describing the project for which they seek assistance.
  • Which towns are eligible for Urban Act grants?
    Answer:

    The program is generally open to state-designated (1) distressed municipalities, (2) public investment communities, and (3) urban centers under the state's Plan of Conservation and Development. However, towns that do not meet one of these criteria may still receive Urban Act funds (1) if the State Bond Commission determines that the project in question will help meet specified urban revitalization goals underCGS § 4-66b or (2) for transit-oriented development projects.

  • Which entity or agency makes grant decisions?
    Answer: The grant-making agency depends on the nature of the project. OPM receives and reviews funding requests and then directs them to the agencies with expertise in the area for which a project is seeking assistance. For example, OPM might direct an economic development project to the Department of Economic and Community Development or a solid waste disposal project to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
  • Are there any specific record-keeping requirements for grantees?
    Answer: There are no specific record-keeping requirements for entities receiving Urban Act grants, but grantees are subject to (1) the State Single Audit Act and (2) any additional reporting requirements the grant-making agency imposes. Under the state Single Audit Act, any town or other “nonstate entity” that spends $300,000 or more in state financial assistance per fiscal year must undergo a comprehensive single audit. If the total state financial assistance it spends in the fiscal year is for a single state program (such as an Urban Act grant), a program-specific audit may be conducted in lieu of a single audit (CGS § 4-231). In either case, the purpose is to determine whether the recipient spent the funds only for allowable activities and costs. OLR report 2011-R-0473 describes the audit requirements in greater detail.
  • Is there a standard grant award contract?
    Answer: No. According to OPM, each grant-making agency has its own contract that it enters into with Urban Act grantees. If you would like a copy of a specific agency's contract, please let us know.